By Deborah Nnamdi
Sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday after attacking personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and breaching the facility’s security.
According to a statement by NCoS spokesman Abubakar Umar, the incident occurred in the early hours of the day. He said the inmates launched a coordinated attack on officers to compromise the facility, resulting in the escape.
During efforts to contain the situation, five correctional officers sustained injuries, with two in serious condition and currently receiving urgent medical care at a government hospital. So far, seven of the escaped inmates have been recaptured.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, visited the facility shortly after the incident and ordered a full investigation. He emphasized that any staff found complicit would face disciplinary action. He also directed a coordinated manhunt, in collaboration with other security agencies, to apprehend the remaining escapees.
The NCoS urged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activity or sightings of the fugitives to the nearest security agency.
“Preliminary investigations are ongoing,” the statement concluded, “but the Service remains committed to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide.”
